The StarLink-IRC NEWSLETTER
November 2005
THANKSGIVING SEASON

Vol 8, Issue 11
 StarLink-IRC Newsletter
Published Occasionally
November2005 
StarLink-IRC Network - Your family friendly cybertown!
IN THIS ISSUE
Amazing and Lesser Things by Amazing
New Channels by makk

Fogweb Follies by Itsy
Way With Words by Scorp
The Library Interesting things said and read
The Trapdoor  Things to beware on the web!

COLUMNS
Book Nook  Book Reviews by Lorellei
Cooking Recipes by Wildchild
Pets and Pests by Momma
Movies Movie Reviews

READER CONTRIBUTIONS
Channel Chatter Channel News
Who's Doing What Personal events
Travel Interesting websites
Tips Tips and Useful Information
TechTalk Tech tips
EDITORIAL
Editor-in-Chief - NOLady
Web Version / Layout - Itsy
Network Info and Notices News
General Information General
Reader Commentary Letters
Editor Emeritus - Lois of #OldRadio 

Subscribe / Change of Address
And get your own copy by mail!
Articles Wanted!  Deadline - 15th of the month
The Meeting Room Channel & Net Events
In Memoriam Those no longer with us

Back Issues

This is YOUR newsletter - Send items to newsletter@starlink-irc.org
Contributors: Please eliminate the forwarding marks (>>>) from submissions!!

SL-IRC LOGO STUFF SHAMELESS PLUG
We have made available some items (mugs, t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats) with our logo at Cafepress - http://www.cafeshops.com/slirc   Cafepress sets the item base cost and handles all sales, production,  shipping, and warranty. StarLink-IRC gets no money from sales of these items.

General Information
Word Games:  Live Trivia throughout the week.
#International: Mutilingual helpers always welcome!
Channel Owner Email Updates: If you own a channel and change your contact address, please let a  CService rep in #Channels know or send a note to slirc-register@starlink-irc.org
NOTE: Web sites shown here may contain executable files or programs. Be advised that StarLink-IRC has no knowledge of the suitability or effects these may have on your system. We advise everyone to make a carefully informed decision prior to running any new software.

FROM THE EDITOR
Please feel free to send in things you'd like to share with our community of chatters.

IChristmas season is upon us!  (Like it or not.)  I'd love to hear from those of you who are doing something to reach out to others in your community for Christmas, ways in which you are blessing those in need.

As you know, many in our region have lost their homes and all of their possessions in Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.  That has resulted in the families of our church having one or two additional families cramming into their homes as the rebuilding process goes forward.  That can put a real burden on a family's budget (and nerves).  The ladies of our church normally put their names in a hat and pick a secret pal and buy that person a gift every Christmas.  This year, instead, we've put the name of each child in the displaced and host families, as well as those who have their own children and foster children, into the hat twice and picked names.  That will mean two more presents for each kid under the tree!  It's a relief for the adults in the families, a delight for the children, and a tremendous blessing for those of us with such a powerful need to give.

What are you doing?  I'd love to share that next issue.

Also, once again, I'd like you to brainstorm a bit and think of any columns you'd like to see in our newsletter or ones you'd like to write.  We're still looking for a movie reviewer, and I'd still like to have someone who has a gardening/agriculture background write a monthly column about what to plant and harvest at what times of year, etc.

NOLady
CELEBRATIONS AND CALENDAR
Your BIRTHDAY TREE
November's gemstone is Topaz, the symbol of Truth - Flower is the Chrysanthemum
December's gemstone is Turquoise. the symbol of Innocense  - Flower is the Narcissus


DAYS OF NOTE
Nov8    ELECTION DAY
Nov11   VETERAN'S DAY (USA)
Nov11   REMEMBERANCE DAY (CANADA, UK)
Nov24   HAPPY THANKSGIVING, USA!
Nov30   ST. ANDREW'S DAY (UK)

Dec 8    First day of Hanukkah
Dec 15   Last day of Hanukkah
Dec 25   MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!
Dec 26   Boxing Day
NOVEMBER Birthdays
 December Birthdays
Nov3    LadyNova of #FibroFolks
Nov5    Wilma of #FibroFolks
Nov5    Obiwan of #40Something
Nov7    InsanityIG of #HandsAroundTheWorld
Nov7    Hilte of #FibroFolks
Nov8    Ranger of #FibroFolks
Nov12   Moosekillah of #40Something
Nov15   IRC Op Alien
Nov18   Tricia of #Fibro_Friends
Nov22   CayBay of #FibroFolks
Nov22   Lorellei` of #trivia_dreams
Nov24   DevRoy of #30+Kickin`Back
Nov26   Frankie of #FibroFolks

Dec 6    Peman of #40Something
Dec 6    Youps of #40Something
Dec 9    IRC Op Dilly
Dec 11   IRC Op Blu
Dec 19   Ellegon of #40Something


Nov22   Happy Anniversary to IRC Op Wullie and Mrs. WullieOct No anniversaries this month.
We wish the rest of you Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary except that we DON'T KNOW your special dates!  Please ask your chatters for their birthdays and anniversaries and submit them for publication!

THE TRAPDOOR         Tricks, Traps, and Trouble to avoid...
Things That Go Bump on the Web ...
From before - From the Langa List - "Don't be fooled" ..  there are folks out there trying to scam people looking for "real" software. This one is about Spybot (highly recommended) and the cheap imitations.
Always check VERY closely when looking for any software - be sure you have the right URL and are getting the right product.  If you're not sure, go back to the source and re-ask.  Always better safe than sorry
Amazing
AMAZING AND LESSER THINGS!
by Amazing

ThanA Halloween Scavenger Hunt was held on Oct. 29th. Special thanks to NOLady for making up the clues and thanks to Itsy for helping with them. Winners of the hunt were:
boo_cat
spedmonstr
HallowDaz
witchiepoo
Sonya
The players were:
boo_cat
spedmonstr
HallowDaz
witchiepoo
Sonya
neko
Sith_Lord
clord
BooChat
Skrek
parrotguts

Thanks to MikeChat and TooShy for a WONDERFUL Halloween Color Show that was held in #Townhall on Oct. 30th. There was around 50 users who turned out to enjoy the show! Another show will be coming up soon and an email will be sent out to the mailing list to give date and time. 

First ever Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt was held on Nov. 25th and it was a GREAT success! Thanks again to NOLady for making the clues and thanks to Itsy for helping. Winners and participants are listed at http://www.starlink-irc.org/holiday/thanksgiving/index.html

Thanks to everyone for making StarLink-IRC the wonderful cybertown that it is!  As some of you might know, there are other nets out there with the word 'starlink' in them. When telling your friends about what net you chat on -- PLEASE make sure you say StarLink-IRC.Org.  And don't forget There is a quicklist of servers at http://www.starlink-irc.org/serverlist.html
NEW STARS IN OUR NET
by makk
Welcome to this month's new channels and chatters. Stop in and say hi!
#razred                           Tomek
#terriclemens                  clem37
#SistersSeekingSerenity doe
#Parrotsroom                  nyparrot
#spottedeaglelodge        owlstar
#NZXTchat                      Retell


Our very own makk will be continuing treecat's tradition of welcoming the newest residents to our friendly neighborhood cybertown.
CHANNEL CHATTER    What's happening in the channels ...

#Shadowvex
Hello folks!
What are some of your favorite things you enjoy during the holiday season? Setting up the tree and all of the decorations?  Shopping for presents?  Enjoying the company of your family and friends?  What about the simple joys like receiving Christmas cards in the mail?

As a City Letter Carrier for the United States Postal Service, I would like to take this opportunity to inform all of those who may not know that the price of stamps is going up in January 2006.  What does this mean for us?  Well, the current price for stamps is 37 cents each, which will be raised this January to 39 cents each.  Even though it is not a drastic rate increase, I did want to let everyone know who is big on sending out Christmas cards.  Anyone with left over 37 cent stamps come January will need to purchase 2 cent stamps to mail out your letters and bills!  There's nothing wrong with that, but if you try to mail out a letter with only a 37 cent stamp on it in January or later months, the letter will be returned to you requesting the proper postage!

Not only will the cost of stamps be increasing, but raises across the board will be implemented in January.  This includes and is not limited to Priority Mail and Express Mail shipping costs.

For the latest news and information regarding shipping rates through the United States Postal Service, please visit the website at www.usps.com .
- Anomir

#Triviaquest
Hi there,
Thought you might enjoy a visit downunder, more specifically to my little corner, the very bottom Sth East corner of Australia to be precise, our state is broken up into areas, each of which has a name, my area is Gippsland, well East Gippsland of we want to split hairs. This site covers the entire Gippsland area, hundreds of photos to check out and plenty of interesting information. Hope you enjoy it!!!

Jacqui_R
www4.tpg.com.au/smooth1/gippsland/index.htm
Let us know what's happening in YOUR channel at newsletter@starlink-irc.org

WHO'S DOING WHAT    Here and there around the net ..
contributed by everyone
In an attempt to get more of our chatters involved in our newsletter and to make it more interesting, we are adding several new columns. I'd love to see a gardening column if that's an area of expertise for any of you. Please get together with me if you have other ideas or if you're willing to do a column!
COOKING ON THE WILD SIDE Recipes and more    ...by Wildchild.

Happy Thanksgiving Chat Friends,

I hope everyone has a wonderful and Happy Thanksgiving with their friends and families. Here is a couple really nice recipes for our diabetic friends for the Holidays.

Send your recipes and Helpful household tips to cookingonthewildside and keep cooking on the wildside.
wildchild

Pumpkin Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Filling

Makes: 10 servings
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 12 minutes

3 large eggs
1/2 cup SPLENDA® No Calorie Sweetener, Granular, divided
1/4 cup light corn syrup
3/4 cup LIBBY'S® canned pumpkin
1 teaspoon lemon juice
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 tablespoons powdered sugar


Cream Cheese Filling
Garnish: powdered sugar

PREHEAT oven to 375° F.
GREASE bottom and sides of a 15- x 10- x 1-inch jellyroll pan; line pan with waxed paper; grease and flour waxed paper.
BEAT eggs in a large bowl at high speed with an electric mixer for 5 minutes; gradually add 1/4 cup SPLENDA® Granular and corn syrup. Beat 2 additional minutes. Gradually add pumpkin and lemon juice; beat on low speed until blended.
COMBINE flour, remaining 1/4 cup SPLENDA® Granular, baking powder and next 5 ingredients; gradually fold into pumpkin mixture. Spread batter evenly in pan.
BAKE for 12 minutes or until cake is done.
SIFT 2 tablespoons powdered sugar on a cloth towel. Loosen cake from sides of pan using a narrow metal spatula and immediately turn out onto sugared towel. Starting at narrow end, roll cake and towel together; cool 30 minutes on a wire rack seam side down.
UNROLL cake; spread with cream cheese mixture and re-roll. Dust with additional powdered sugar, if desired.

Cream Cheese Filling

1 (8-ounce) package reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup SPLENDA® No Calorie Sweetener, Granular
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

BEAT cream cheese and butter at high speed with an electric mixer until creamy; gradually add SPLENDA® Granular and powdered sugar, beating until blended. Add vanilla.



Old Fashioned Applesauce Cake

Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Baking Time: 30 minutes
Serving Size: 1/8 cake
Serves: 8

1 cup all purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ginger
1/2 cup reduced calorie margarine (25% less fat & calories)
1/4 cup molasses
1/2 cup egg substitute
1 tsp. vanilla
1 cup SPLENDA® Granular
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

Preheat oven to 350° F. Spray an 8x8" metal cake pan with vegetable cooking spray.
In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and ginger. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat margarine and molasses with an electric mixer on high speed for approximately 1 minute.
Add egg substitute and vanilla and blend on high speed for 30 seconds. Mixture will be very liquid.
Add SPLENDA® Granular and beat on medium speed until very smooth, approximately 1 1/2 minutes.
Add flour mixture and applesauce and beat on low speed until mixed, approximately 45 seconds.
Spread batter evenly into prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes at 350° F.

.+
MOVIES                 Movie Reviews
No movie reviewer right now.  Want to volunteer? Write to the editor at newsletter@starlink-irc.org

THE BOOK NOOK         Book Nook by Lorellei
Suggestions and comments .. submit them to the newsletter with Book Nook in the subject line.

PREDATOR
by Patricia Cornwell
Hardcover, 416 pages, Putnam October 2005
ISBN 0399152830
New York Times bestseller #1 on 11/05/05

Dr. Kay Scarpetta works at the National Forensic Academy in Florida, consulting on the PREDATOR project, which utilizes functional MRI scans, attempting to determine if and how the brain of a serial killer is different from the brain of a "normal" person who isn't inclined to murder others. She is consulting with her long-time colleague and lover, Dr. Benton Wesley, who works at Harvard in Massachusetts, and is in charge of the PREDATOR research study.  His work involves using brain imaging and interviewing techniques to compare normal subjects with serial killers.  Dr. Scarpetta, recently having left her position as Chief Medical Examiner in Virginia, is now a Director at the Florida facility where her old friend and colleague, Pete Marino, oversees investigations. Her brilliant and wealthy niece, Lucy Farinelli, works with them but obviously spends a lot of her time in seedy bars, looking for casual, meaningless gay liaisons.  One such relationship is with Stevie, a young woman whose body is painted with red hands. (Later, one of the victims in the story has been similarly painted.)

As usual in Cornwell books, the characters have constant intertwining conflicts and discord. Kay learns that Benton has known about the alternative lifestyle Lucy has chosen, putting a crimp in their relationship. Throw into the mix a sleazy staff member, Joe Amos, who personifies the sort of person most of us would not want to be around; add an investigator of one missing persons case in the character of Reba Wagner, ex-flame of Pete Marino; toss in Basil Jenrette, a serial killer, (an ex-cop),  of many young women. Add Hog, a villain who poses as a citrus tree inspector while he kidnaps and tortures victims, under the direction of a woman. Flavor with a celebrity psychiatrist, Dr. Marilyn Self, with whom Pete is reinventing himself, having lost weight and gained confidence. Mix it all together and you have, not one of her best, but still an easily identifiable Cornwell canvas.

What is good is that Patricia Cornwell maintains her accuracy in detail and fact. Her forensic descriptions are clear, specific and correct. Her characters continue to mature and expand, albeit disturbingly.  They pretty much maintain their basic characters throughout her series until this episode.  This book can be read as part of her series or alone.  At one purely entertainment level, it is a pretty enjoyable book. However, what is bad to me is that once again, as in her previous book, BOWFLY, she writes in the third person. Something was lost to me when Cornwell started writing in the third person. And, while her characters do seem to maintain their basic natures, it seemed to me that they were all on the down slope, none of them being as strong as they might be. Or perhaps Cornwell is just showing true human nature.

There are many events and much character interaction in this story. You do wonder if Kay Scarpetta will be the victor or the victim. There are some deep, dark looks into brain functions, attitudes and motivations of serial killers, mass murderers and of other so- called criminal minds. Cornwell does her usual basically good job but, maybe the forensic series is getting old or maybe I am getting bored. I just did not come away from this book with the satisfaction I generally extract from her books.  A lot was predictable and I felt that there was a lot of "filler" writing, writing that does not go anywhere. I also felt that the story was ended rather abruptly and without satisfying finishes. A couple of plots do not really reach a conclusion. Lucy and her medical condition, and Kay and her relationship with Brenton have no closure. What exactly did happen to Joe Amos and Jan, Stevie and Hog and to Basil? How does Reba fit in at the end? These things bothered me and left me dissatisfied with the story.

Having said all that, remember I am extra critical and aware, spending my waking hours pretty much in the writing/editing field. I reckon many Cornwell devotees will enjoy the continuing Kay Scarpetta forensic series experience.

Lorellei


If you have a book you'd like reviewed, send an email with the subject "For Book Nook"; we're glad to have suggestions! If you'd like to review a book yourself, let us know. It's good to have fresh viewpoints!

PETS AND PESTS         Critters   by Momma
If you have questions, interesting facts or suggestions, other notable news concerning pets and pests, please submit them to the newsletter with Pets and Pests in the subject line

Brrrrrrrrrrrr! It’s cold out. We are on the verge of another winter coming on strong. Unfortunately, you aren't the only one who knows that winter is coming. Mice, bugs, snakes, and other pests are looking at your house like a giant ski lodge in a blizzard. They know it’s warm in there. Pest control is the answer.
However, pest control doesn't necessarily mean that you have to call the exterminator. The three best home pest control measures to take before winter are:

1)Make sure outside vents have screens on them.
2)Seal up cracks and holes on the outside of your house
3)Dispose of your garbage regularly and seal it up. This is a big one. Make sure it’s done.

And now that winter is here, let's think about the outside pet.
Here is an article I found on the net about winterizing the dog house.

Winterizing Your Dog's House
As winter blasts its way across the country, millions of outdoor dogs will take refuge in a doghouse. If your pet stays outdoors year-round, make sure that its miniature house is a warm and comfortable environment.

The ideal doghouse is usually no more than three times the size of the dog. This size is roomy enough for your pet to stand up, turn around and lie down comfortably; yet small enough for your dog`s body to warm the entire house.

For best insulation, the doghouse should sit 3-4 inches off the frozen ground. A four-sided base made out of 2 x 4s will lift the house off the ground and create an insulated air space for warmer air to circulate.

The doghouse should be carefully checked for cracks or a leaky roof. A wet house can be very cold and uncomfortable for your pet.

Since the wind can lower already bitter temperatures, it`s best to put the doghouse in a place where the wind cannot come in the front door. The inside corner of a house or a fence can offer such protection. If there is no way to avoid the wind, a flap over the door will help. Many doghouses come with an inside baffle to block the direct flow of air.

You and I consider blankets comfortable bedding. However, they are not necessary for our pets. Dogs often are perfectly happy with wood chips, straw, or carpeting. Towels or rags may also be used; but don`t be surprised if your dog "rearranges the furniture" and you find the bedding out in the yard.

Finally, make sure that the doghouse has a hinged top to make it easier to clean out and change the bedding.

If yours is an indoor pet, his crate or bed should be kept in a warm, draft-free area, preferably elevated slightly off the floor.

The writers are Dr. Steven B. Holzman, Dr. William R. Haagenson and Dr. Kathleen Tapley. They are associated with Nassau-Suffolk Veterinary Hospital of Farmingdale
TRAVEL                 Places to go.. things to see
Suggestions for places to visit on the web .. submit to the newsletter with TRAVEL in the subject line.

Thanks to Itsy for sharing these Wacky Laptop Tricks:
http://techrepublic.com.com/2300-10877_11-5844549-1.html

Also thanks to Itsy for sharing "A Marine Reports from Iraq"
http://www.washtimes.com/functions/print.php?StoryID=20051121-093501-9601r

Do you have a web site that has been particularly informative or helpful?  Let us know, so we can travel through cyberspace to visit it, too!
TIPS                   The odd idea here and there
Handy Tips and Suggestions.. submit them to the newsletter with TIPS  in the subject line.

   No tips this time
TECH TALK              Technical Tips and Hints.
 Suggestions for tech talk subjects.. submit them to the newsletter with TECH TALK  in the subject line.

    Nothing this month.
THE MEETING ROOM       Special Events and Things
 If you have any subjects that would be good for on of our weekly #townhall block parties, let someone know and we'll see what we can do. Please submit them to the newsletter with #TownHall in the subject line.
Makk has an invitation for us!

  Nothing this month.

foo! FOGWEB FOLLIES   
A short column of made-up facts and non-information
...brought to you by your friendly neighborhood arachnid

HIt is the season for giving, so your intrepid arachnic is giving you the real scoop on one of our 'amazing' staff members who shall remain nameless...

Seems that it went something like this ...
<A*mazing> a whole bunch of flyers came today
<A*mazing> they have one of those roaster ovens on sale for $50...identical to the one i paid $100 for
<A*mazing> so will buy it for sis
<Itsy> so cause its half price youre getting another one?
<A*mazing> no silly...for *** for christmas
<Itsy> so
<Itsy> youre gonna give ***  the cheap copy of the nice one you have?
(.. the rest of the conversation is removed to avoid embarrassing the anonymous person of whom we are typing about )

Of course this probably isn't the way some people will tell it but it seems to me that the truth is out there.  SOME of us have a warped sense of the season.

Course, if it was an IMI dutch oven, then a copy would be preferable.  A copy of any IMI product is always way more better than the original, right down to the ink on the shipping label!

Til next month

Itsy

THE LIBRARY                  LAUGHTER IS GOOD MEDICINE!
Whether it's lighthearted, serious, poignant, or just plain silly, send your contributios to the newsletter with LIBRARY in the subject line.


A recipe for cooking your turkey:
 Step 1: Go buy a turkey
 Step 2: Take a drink of whiskey (Scotch)
 Step 3: Put turkey in the oven
 Step 4: Take another 2 drinks of whiskey
 Step 5: Set the degree at 375 ovens
 Step 6: Take 3 more whiskeys of drink
 Step 7: Turn oven the on
 Step 8: Take 4 whisks of drinky
 Step 9: Turk the bastey
 Step 10: Whiskey another bottle of get
 Step 11: Stick a turkey in the thermometer
 Step 12: Glass yourself a pour of whiskey
 Step 13: Bake the whiskey for 4 hours
 Step 14: Pour another whisk of glasskey
 Step 15: Take the oven out of the turkey
 Step 16: Floor the turkey up off of the pick
 Step 17: Turk the carvey
 Step 18: Get yourself another scottle of Botch
 Step 19: Tet the sable and pour yourself a glass of turkey
 Step 20: Bless the saying, pass and eat out

WWW - WAY WITH WORDS            by Scorp
Wedding Gift Thank You.

A loving note can barely say
all we felt that magic day.
A heartfelt thanks is sent to you
for your thoughtful gift and wishes, too



Have you tried to find the perfect verse, greeting or message when sending a card, and your mind draws a blank? If you have some favorites, send them to Pat@pobox.com

IN MEMORIAM.
Those who have moved on
In Memoriam

#

Those Lost

  AndcandleEver 
 Remembered


In Loving Memory
Amazing reminds us that there may be other folks hurting, so take the time to think of them

NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIPTION AND CHANGE OF EMAIL ADDRESS
Last month's BACK ISSUE



Channel Event Schedule
Drop by and join in .. everyone is always welcome!

Note: All times are Eastern US
DAY
TIME
WHERE
EVENT
SUN
9:30 PM
#Townhall

MON
--:--


TUE
10:00 PM
#WTGO
Live Trivia and Games
WED
--:--


THU
8:00 PM
9:00 PM
10:00 PM
10:00 PM
#OldRadio
#HandsAroundTheWorld
#Moonshadow
#WTGO

Fans of Old Time Radio - 9th year online!!
Bible Study
Trivia! Every thursday
Live Trivia and Games
FRI
8:00 PM
9:00 PM
#Islander
#Just4Fun
Live Trivia!
Now and then. Outburst games! Fun for  All
SAT
10:00 PM


ANY
All Day
#TriviaDreams
Trivia


Thanks once again to those who send in articles. Please encourage your channel folks to send in important dates for the month, channel chatter, and general news!  It shows our network's sense of continuity when we can share these events with those outside the channels we normally visit. Our network is special in the way channels support and and encourage each other like a community. For those newer to our community, our Sunday evening #Townhall meetings are an excellent opportunity to come and meet other folks that we would not normally encounter. Come join us for these meetings (okay, not so much a meeting as a block party with the occasional announcement, eduacational presentation, or sometimes even guest speakers on interesting subjects.  Join us there when you can.

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